SUBBOTA APARTMENT

2023 Moscow, 52 м²

Originally conceived as a temporary home for a family of four, this compact 52-square-meter apartment proves that limited space is no barrier to comfort, function, and elegance. Designed for a young couple with two children, the apartment was intended to serve as an interim solution before moving to a larger home. But after settling in, the family found the space so thoughtfully planned and livable, they decided to stay longer than anticipated.
With just two windows and a tight floor plan, the brief was ambitious: include all the essential zones of a modern family home—kitchen, dining, living area with TV, parents’ bedroom, children’s room (with a sofa bed for the nanny when needed), play and study areas, a full bathroom with laundry, and generous storage throughout.
Beyond the programmatic requirements, the clients placed equal importance on aesthetics. They spend much of their time at home, and they wanted the interior to feel calm, curated, and complete despite its size.

The main room functions as a multi-purpose core, combining living, dining, kitchen, and entryway. To avoid clutter and maximize space efficiency, the design team integrated kitchen cabinetry and hallway storage into a single, monolithic wooden volume placed near the entrance. A dining table connects directly to the kitchen island, optimizing flow and utility, while a compact corner sofa defines the living zone.
Because order is essential in small spaces, the apartment incorporates numerous hidden storage systems. Despite its compact footprint, the room feels open and bright thanks to natural light filtering in through a transom window above the partition that separates the living area from the parents' bedroom.
The parents' bedroom is modest in size, but highly functional. One wall is entirely taken up by a built-in wardrobe, finished in white to blend with the walls and eliminate visual noise. The absence of hardware on the facades keeps the look minimal. Mirrors behind the bed help visually expand the space.

In the children’s room, the custom furniture reads like a single sculptural object, crafted from warm-toned wood. A desk seamlessly transitions into a bunk bed, integrating work, play, and sleep into a cohesive unit. Just like the rest of the apartment, this room follows the principle of multifunctionality as a core design strategy.

Throughout the apartment, the palette remains understated and harmonious. The same flooring is used in both the kitchen and bathroom, contributing to a continuous sense of flow. White walls amplify light, while furniture in matching wood tones adds warmth and unity. The overall aesthetic is minimalist—almost austere—but rich in function and fine detailing.
Though initially designed as a short-term solution, this apartment demonstrates that careful planning and smart design can turn even the smallest spaces into long-term homes. What was once envisioned as temporary has become a well-loved permanent residence.

Photographer: Varvara Toplennikova